ShawneeDispatch.com

A Shawnee attorney, David W. Hauber of Shawnee, has been appointed as the newest judge on the 10th Judicial District serving Johnson County.

"David has strong ties to the Johnson County community, is well-known as an excellent attorney, and has a breadth of experience in practicing law," Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement earlier this month. "Having worked on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants, David exemplifies the balance that is the heart of our justice system. He will serve the people of the 10th District well."

Hauber was chosen from three candidates selected by the 10th Judicial District Judicial Nominating Commission to fill the unexpired term of Judge Janice Russell, who is retiring. The term runs until November 2010, when Hauber's name will appear on the ballot for retention by Johnson County voters.

Other candidates were Robert J. Bjerg of Lake Quivira, who is in private practice in Leawood; and James Phelan of Overland Park, a magistrate judge in the 10th Judicial District.

Hauber attended Kansas University for both his bachelor's degree in journalism and juris doctorate. He has practiced law for 25 years.

Presently, Hauber is an attorney at Baty Holm and Numrich, P.C., in Kansas City, where he practices both plaintiff and defense work for individuals, small businesses and insurance companies. He handled a variety of civil matters such as personal injury employment, business, public, land use and insurance law issues.

District courts are the trial courts of Kansas, with general original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases, including divorce and domestic relations; damage suits; probate and administration of estates; guardianships; conservatorships; care of the mentally ill; juvenile justice matters; and small claims.

Hauber's wife, Kate, is a partner at the law firm of Stinson Morrison Hecker, where she practices real estate law. They have three children, Erin, 25, Meredith, 23, and Michael, 18.